Opinions on Ernst twist-lock socket holders?

[bw77]

Looking for opinions on these Ernst dura-pro twist lock socket holders:

http://www.ernstmfg.com/products_twistlock.php

Are they really 2-finger operation?

 

[radrush]

I got my 322 Craftsman sockets organized with Ernst dura-pro twist lock clips and socket rails and I LOVE them. A slight twist is all that is needed to remove/replace sockets. My homemade stuff and the Hanson stuff just couldn't compete with the Ernst clips and rails. I found the Ernst products to be super flexible allowing me a number of efficient setup options.

As you can see in the pictures, the drawer for the 3/8" drive sockets is complete.

The drawer for the 1/2" drive deep sockets is complete. The drawer for the 1/2" drive regular sockets is a work-in-progress. I split up the 1/2" drive sockets between regular depth and deep so that the extensions could be mounted with the sockets.

The drawer for the 1/4" drive sockets is nearly complete. I just need one more mounting kit and a couple of rails to hold some 1/4" drive extensions, some 8pt sockets (both 1/2" and 3/8" drive) and some 3/8" drive (inch and metric) mid-depth sockets that won't fit in the official 3/8" drive drawer.

Because they seemed to fit better, I used a 3/8" drive face mount to hold a couple of 1/4" drive ratchets. Due to drawer space I did not mount any of the 3/8" drive or 1/2" drive ratchets to rails. All of the 3/8" drive and 1/2" drive ratchets and breaker bars have their own drawer.

If you see a few empty clips or mounts these are for wobble extensions not yet placed. Also, 3 metric 1/2" drive deep sockets appear to be missing in action; not sure what happened with those....and I made the labels for the rails.

Don't really need over 300 sockets but way back it seemed like a good idea to get the biggest set offered and over the years more things were added.

 

[bchee]

Once the socket is locked, can it be moved along the rail, or do you have to unlock it first?

 

[shampoop]

these ones are where it's at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JTO6JC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Takes up the smallest footprint, super easy on and off, no mechanisms to break.

 

[Daddy_Rabbit]

these ones are where it's at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JTO6JC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Takes up the smallest footprint, super easy on and off, no mechanisms to break.

Word.

 

[radrush]

Once a socket is locked on a clip, the clip can be moved along the rail. Clips can be added to or removed from the rail without removing the other clips/sockets.

Since the clips just slide on/off the rails, or can be popped on/off between other clips, the rails can be customized with 1/4" and 3/8" and 1/2" drive clips.

Another thing, rails do not have to be placed on the mounting kits. Clips can be placed on both sides of the rails, saving lots of space as the sockets will then lay flat.

Obviously, as my setup demonstrates, I'm not worried about footprint. And to get sockets on/off a clip requires only 1/8 twist. There is no mechanism in the dura-pro clip to break. As the pics show, the rails can hold socket extensions, socket adaptors, swivel sockets, and wrenches.

If I take a rail off the mount and carry it to the work, I can lay it down without everything falling off and there is no tray to collect a bunch of dust and dirt.

 

[mikebramel]

the hansens are too limited
the ernst are much more configurable
and yes, just two finger

 

[bw77]

I'm the OP. I bought a set of the twist-on socket holders. No problem taking off a socket, but I do have a problem sometimes putting on a socket. I put the socket on the holder, and it does not go all the way on, so I pull it off and turn it a little and try to get it to go on. Sometimes it takes several tries to get the socket on all the way. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. Is there some special technique to use?

 

[mikebramel]

i had that problem too. "break em in" now theyre fine

 

[radrush]

On the Ernst, I also found that a few of the clips need to be "broken in". What sold me on the Ernst was that they are much more configurable. I mean there's no place on a Hanson for swiwl sockets, extensions, extension, or adaptors.

 

[RoninWS6]

New Member here resurrecting this thread to ask a quick question about the Ernst twist lock rails. Do they work with all sockets or only the ones with the little indents on the ratchet end where the pen locks in? Reason I ask is I'm looking to buy some and also some impact sockets as well, but have noticed that the impact may only have a pin detent and not the the indentations on all four sides.

 

[firworks]

I don't think they require the detent to work.

That said I really don't care for the one I've got... I don't know if mine is defective or what but it takes a heck of a lot of twist to get them on and off. It's impossible to do on a socket in the middle of the rail where you can't get your hand all the way around it. Do they really break in? Do I need to just go to each post and twist a socket and off over and over until it loosens up? I'd like to get my sockets in order but I can't have them held captive by the Socket Boss.

Edit: I'll go out and see if I have a detentless socket and try it.

 

[martin666]

Sockets I use the most are in Mechanic Time Saver blocks which have always been my favorites, but you're stuck with whatever amount of holes the block has. Bought both the 2 rail ( 3/4") and 3 rail. ( 1/2" & 3/8") Ernst pro twist set ups and like them a lot, like that I can configure them to hold whatever size I want

 

[firworks]

Just confirmed: it worked perfect with all three.

 

[FEVERinc]

so happy to hear the good reviews. I bought bought six of the socket boss setups.. lol

 

[63mothership]

I like mine a lot I only got mine 2 days ago though. I still think my Hansen trays are better for the price. I like the twist lock though for going to junkyards or taking sockets anywhere unlike normal socket rails they won't fall off as easy

 

[FEVERinc]

Finally got them.. now to go through figuring out the best way to organize them!

 

[anndel]

On the Ernst, I also found that a few of the clips need to be "broken in". What sold me on the Ernst was that they are much more configurable. I mean there's no place on a Hanson for swiwl sockets, extensions, extension, or adaptors.

Same here, you have to break some, not all, in. Just got some last week from Amazon.

 

[2oolhound]

After running out of room in my top box I used socket trays hanging off the edges then I mounted a twist lock strip below them along the front (sockets sit sideways) where I kept my impact sockets and adapters. The strip is above the top drawers in a kind of dead area. I like the fact they could even be mounted upside down and still be easy on - easy off access. I've added a few more sets since.

 

[stonesfan68]

You can get some of the Ernst organizers branded as Tekton. Until 31-December Amazon is offering a $15 off of a $50 purchase of Tekton items so good deals are to be had.

 

[Tenex]

You can get some of the Ernst organizers branded as Tekton. Until 31-December Amazon is offering a $15 off of a $50 purchase of Tekton items so good deals are to be had.

I've only seen the Tekton rails available in red.

 

[FEVERinc]

Wish tekton had the socket boss. I just ordered 6 more of those.. I did pick up some side extension rail accessories though through tekton. Thanks for the heads up